Ornithogalum saundersiae

Ornithogalum saundersiae, or giant chincherinchee, is a species of Ornithogalum in the subfamily Scilloideae of family Asparagaceae.

Description

Ornithogalum saundersiae is a perennial, herbaceous bulbous plant. It reaches 30 to 100 cm. in height. The leaves measure 60 x 5 cm. and are less than half as long as the flower stem. The upper leaf surface is a shiny dark green. The inflorescence consists of numerous flowers and is conical. The flower stems are long. The tepals are white, 10 to 15 millimeters long. The ovary is a very dark green. The plant flowers from June to August.

Distribution and habitat

Ornithogalum saundersiae is found in South Africa in the Eastern Transvaal, Natal, and Eswatini. It grows best on rocky glades.

Uses

Sold as bulbs for ornamental garden flowers and as cut flowers.